BCC: Government must maintain procurement improvement pledge

The government has been urged to not to renege on pledges to create greater efficiency in public sector procurement processes.

Dr Adam Marshall, director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said businesses are welcoming the government's stated commitment to improve supply chain efficiency.

He said it is therefore important that these plans become a reality, calling for more transparent communication between the public and private sectors on contracts, particularly in terms of timescales and simpler access to opportunities.

Dr Marshall also highlighted the need for these efforts to be extended to local authorities, NHS trusts and other public bodies in order to ensure maximum benefit.

"Smarter procurement must become the norm for the whole of the public sector, not just central government departments," he added.

Recent efforts by the government to improve procurement efficiency include the introduction of a 120-day deadline on purchasing processes last year.

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